Be careful when dealing with solicitors

Published 5:15 pm, Sunday, January 30, 2011

I’m not sure whether it’s the weather or me getting older, but I have come to enjoy an afternoon nap every now and then. Without fail, just about the time I get comfortable, either the phone rings or someone knocks on my door. Most of the time, it’s a solicitor trying to sell magazines, someone wanting to pave my driveway or the meter reader wanting to get in the back yard.

In my hurry to get comfortable again, I sometimes forget to take a little time to think before I open the door. Here’s a few thoughts on how to stay safe when someone knocks on your door:

• Don’t open your door. I’m not kidding or being sarcastic. Ninety percent of the time, we open the door without thinking. You can communicate through most doors.

• A screen door does not provide much of a barrier between you and the person at your door. Look to see who is standing on the doorstep. If you can’t see through the glass in the door, look through a window.

• If you have a solid door, you can install a “peephole” with little effort and expertise.

• Most service personnel such as meter readers, mail carriers, utility employees and delivery personnel, will be wearing a distinctive uniform and most will have an ID card visible. Most service personnel will immediately tell you why they are there.

• If an ID card is not visible, ask to see the ID. Most will immediately show the ID. If they refuse or offer excuses, be wary.

• If you are still not sure, ask for a phone number to call to verify why the person is at your doorstep.

The rules that apply to service personnel also apply to solicitors. However, solicitors may not be as forthcoming when it comes to presenting ID. They want to give you their sales pitch and get in your house to make the sale. Some cities, such as Conroe, have enacted ordinances requiring solicitors to register with the city and obtain an ID card prior to hitting the streets. If a company brings solicitors into the city, the company may receive a permit to solicit; however, each person soliciting must have an ID card as well.

• If you live in Conroe and want to verify a solicitor permit during normal business hours, call the city switchboard at 936-522-3000 to ask for more information.

• Regardless of where you live, if you feel the solicitor or service person is suspicious, becomes aggressive, refuses to leave or otherwise makes you feel uneasy, contact local law enforcement for assistance.

• Try to get a description of the person and the vehicle. Just because they leave your house doesn’t mean they won’t try someone else.

For more information about this or any other crime prevention topic, call the Conroe Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at 936-522-3327 or 3226. If you have a neighborhood problem or drug activity in your area, call the Conroe Police Department Narcotics Unit at 936-522-3303. For more information or questions regarding this column, contact Sgt. Berry at bberry@cityofconroe.org.